(USPTO)The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070240504. Brief Patent Description - - CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U. S application Ser. No. 08/500,004 filed Jul. 10. 1995 which is a continuation-in-part of U. S application Ser. No. 08/439,502 filed May 11. 1995 both entitled "Local Buffer Circuit". BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002] 1. Field of the Invention[0003] The present invention relates to magnetostrictive displacement or distance measuring transducers and more particularly to magnetostrictive transducers having modular construction including for displacement or distance measuring and adapted for easy configuration of assembly of field equipment after manufacture or assembly from stocked modules. This construction also facilitates modular construction of an explosion-proof field device.[0004] 2. Description of the Art[0005] Magnetostrictive transducers having elongated waveguides that carry torsional strain waves induced in the waveguide when current pulses are applied along the waveguide through a magnetic field are well known in the art. A typical linear distance measuring device using a movable magnet that interacts with the waveguide when current pulses are provided along the waveguide is shown in U. S. Pat. No. 3,898,555.[0006] Devices of the prior art of the sort shown in U. S. Pat. No. 3,898,555 also have the sensor element embedded into the protective housing which also houses the electronics to at least generate the pulse and provide certain mounting means associated with the device for the customer.[0007] U. S. Pat. No. 5,313,160 teaches a modular design in which the sensor and electronic assembly can be removed from the application package. In the application package is the outer housing which is used by the customer for mounting an attachment of the sensor and electronics assembly with the end device whose position is to be measured. Sensor designs of the past have required delicate handling until the fabrication of the total unit including the outer housing and electronics has been completed. Prior art also utilizes difficult to produce and expensive methods to suspend the waveguide and to prevent the reflection of the desired sonic strain wave. Prior high performance waveguide suspension systems utilize thin elastomer spacer discs which are individually positioned along the entire length of the waveguide. Installation of the discs is a time consuming usually manual operation. The best performing damping devices in use utilize molded rubber elements with a central hole. These are difficult to mold and time consuming to apply.[0008] The prior art has deficiencies in that the electronics are included within the waveguide suspension device and an expensive means for waveguide suspension is utilized. The prior art also has deficiencies by not having modular construction and pre-assembled sensor elements. Further if different sizes are needed the unit must be removed. But in the prior art the sensor and the electronic package were not removable and interchangeable because of the application electronics being attached.[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide for an easy configuration or assembly of field equipment after manufacture or assembly from stocked modules including modular construction of an explosion proof sensor.[0010] It is a further object of the present invention to remotely locate the sensor from the electronics. SUMMARY OF TE INVENTION[0011] The present invention relates to a modularly constructed magnetostrictive transducer of the sort set out in U. S application Ser. No. 08/500,004 filed Jul. 10. 1995 having a modular constructed magnetostrictive transducer permitting a pre-assembled sensor element. A sensor cartridge which may be used as an explosion proof probe and which is environmentally protected and mechanically strong for direct use in process control applications is disclosed. The outer housing can be made from any weldable metal and a sheet of teflon or other plastic can be added if needed for chemical resistance. The pre-assembled sensor elements allow easy configuration or assembly of field equipment after manufacture or assembly of the sensor element. It also permits potting for environmental seal and explosion proof construction. The transducer would be then a rugged component and may be equipped with threading to thread to another explosion proof housing which contains the mating electronics. For explosion proof configurations the explosion proof material is anchored within the housing to be held in place when exposed to higher pressures. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS[0012] For a further understanding of the nature and objects of the present invention reference should be had to the following figures in which like parts are given like reference numerals and wherein:[0013] FIG. 1 depicts a side elevated view of the complete sensing element assembly;[0014] FIG. 2a is a cross-sectional view of the sensing element assembly of the preferred embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1 taken along section lines 2-2 of FIG. 1 showing a portion of the waveguide and surrounding sleeves showing the damping element at the end of the waveguide;[0015] FIG. 2b is the same cross-sectional view of FIG. 2a but showing a first alternative of using a tuning wire between the damping element and the waveguide;[0016] FIG. 2c is the same cross-sectional view as FIG. 2a but shows a second alternative of external tube crimped over the damping element;[0017] FIG. 2d is the same cross-sectional view of FIG. 2a but shows a third alternative of the return wire in a different position and with an external tube crimped over the damping element;[0018] FIG. 3 depicts an elevated end view of the housing which shows the connector;[0019] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the sensing element assembly of the preferred embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1 taken along section lines 4-4 of FIG. 1 showing the cross-section of the housing and a portion of the waveguide and surrounding sleeves but not showing the damping mechanism;[0020] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the bracket of the preferred embodiment of the present invention;Continue reading... 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